Cheap flights to Budapest from

A direct flight from London to Budapest is under three hours. easyJet flights to Budapest take off from London Gatwick Airport, which takes roughly two hours and 30 minutes. Definitely a quick flight, making it perfect for city breaks!

Budapest is famous for being one of Central Europe's most gorgeous cities, home to a diverse cultural background and the Danube River. As a city with an appreciation for water, Budapest's many one-of-a-kind water experiences, like cruises, thermal baths, and island parklands, are not to be missed! There are also many fantastic museums and historical monuments ranging from medieval castles, like the 14th century Buda Castle, to the Hungarian Museum of Fine Arts. As it's over 1,000 years old, the city has also carved out must-see districts like the Jewish Quarter and its own Chinatown.

Budapest is very safe but, as with all tourist destinations, you should still keep an eye on your belongings and avoid dimly lit areas. Most of the city is safe to navigate even well into the night as it stays populated and public transportation remains highly efficient.

Budapest, like the rest of Hungary, is located in Central Europe. Hungary is a landlocked country surrounded by Croatia, Austria, Serbia, and Romania. It's likely that some people think Budapest is in Asia because of the ethnic Hungarians. Also called Magyars, this group of people is thought to have founded Hungary when they first occupied the Danube River's middle basin in the 9th century. The Magyars are believed to have come from the Ural Mountains, a mountainous region in Eurasia.

Budapest has lots of mouth-watering dishes, but it's best known for its stews and sausages. Goulash tops the list with its warm broth, tender beef, and simmered veggies seasoned with paprika. In practically every city eatery, Goulash can be eaten with a side of potatoes, with a fresh salad, or in a hearty bread bowl. If you're looking for a quick bite, don't miss out on Hungarian sausages called Kolbász. Available in a variety of flavours, Kolbász can be a little spicy or smokey. It's also made with different meats like lamb, pork, or beef, so you can even make it a mission to try them all. You can enjoy Kolbász on the side of stews, but they're all just as popular eaten with some mustard and a slice of bread while you're out and about.

Because the Danube River cuts through the city, there are also plenty of seafood dishes to try. One you should definitely taste is Halászlé, or Fisherman's Soup. No two cooks prepare this the same way, since it's dependent on the day's fresh catch. Vegetarians won't feel left out, either, since there are many plant-based dishes popular in Budapest like Főzelék, a satisfying veggie soup flavoured with dill, paprika, caraway seeds, bay leaves, and garlic.

Got a sweet tooth? Grab a slice (or two!) of Dobos Torta or Drum Cake. A beautifully layered cake, this treat has alternating layers of sponge and chocolate buttercream and is topped with a deep caramel shell. Finally, you can toast the night away with the refreshing craft beers made by Budapest's thriving independent brewery industry.

Budapest uses the Hungarian Forint, so this is the best currency to use here, whether you're paying with cash or a card. It's best practice to bring paper money with you, as smaller establishments and public transportation options may not always accept credit or debit cards. As a part of the European Union, Hungary does have some stores that accept Euros, but the exchange rates are rather high.

If you've already arrived in Budapest without any Forints, avoid exchanging your cash at hotels or banks since these have less ideal exchange rates and commissions. Instead, you can visit Rákóczi Street, where many small, legitimate exchange offices charge a reasonable commission.

Around three days will give you enough time to slowly but efficiently see the city's most beloved attractions, and bask in the city's beauty. Your first day can be dedicated to walking around the easily accessible historical landmarks close to the city centre, like Buda's Castle Hill or Pest's St. Stephen's Basilica and Chain Bridge. This will give you a better understanding of how Budapest came to be and why most locals have a strong sense of Hungarian pride. At night, you can experience Budapest's world-famous nightlife yourself. If you want to party like the locals do, visit a ‘ruins bar.' As their name suggests, these are informal pubs built in abandoned structures. The first and most popular is Szimpla Kert, a huge bar in a former factory, now decorated with recycled art and eclectic furniture.

On your second day, explore the lush greenery that surrounds Budapest. A unique stop you have to make is Margaret Island. Located in the middle of the Danube, the island has vast parklands, flower beds, and mediaeval ruins.

You'll probably want to start winding down on your last day, so try visiting a spa. Budapest is known for its baths, where there are thermal pools, massages, saunas, and more to unwind with.

In Budapest, the primary language is Hungarian, spoken by nearly 99% of the population. For travellers, it's good to know that English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making it easy for English speakers to navigate the city and interact with locals. Many people, especially the younger generation and those working in tourism, are quite fluent in English. After English, you might encounter locals who can also communicate in German, French, and Italian, thanks to the local education system's focus on foreign languages. But, having a few Hungarian phrases up your sleeve never hurts. For instance, it's good to know that Budapest is pronounced "boo-dah-PESHT" � locals appreciate the effort in getting it right. And a simple hello, which is "Szia" (sounds like 'see yah!'), can go a long way in making a friendly connection.